Past chairs of the faculty: Bruce Cairns, 2014-2017

Dr. Bruce Cairns at the Old Well at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Bruce Cairns at the Old Well at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Photo courtesy of UNC News.

With 2,094 of 3,799 (55.1%) eligible members participating, the highest turnout rate since the beginning of turnout analysis in 1997, Prof. Bruce Cairns, M.D., was elected to the position Chair of the Faculty effective July 1, 2014.

Cairns is the John Stackhouse Distinguished Professor of Surgery and Director of the N.C. Jaycee Burn Center. He joined the UNC faculty in 2000 and has since served two terms on the Faculty Council and the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee. He served one term on the Agenda Committee and continues to serve on the Committee on University Government.

In his role as Director of the Jaycee Burn Center, Cairns has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his efforts in recruiting under-represented minorities and diversifying the scientific workforce. He has published over 130 articles covering a wide range of topics related to clinical care, immunology and infection, simulation and education, global health and disaster response. Cairns has participated in interdisciplinary collaborations with departments and schools across campus, and he has traveled across North Carolina to work with various state organizations, private enterprise and other universities. He believes that the “principal role of the Faculty Chair is to serve all faculty as we work together to support the University’s mission of education, research and service.”

He has received multiple awards for his teaching, research, and surgical activities, including the Edward Kidder Graham Faculty Service Award for service to the state, nation, and University; the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award; the Resident Physician Advocate Award; and the American Burn Association Traveling Fellow Award. Cairns received his B.A. at The Johns Hopkins University and his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.